REV05385

• Permit No: C1981018
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 6/22/2001
• Doc Name: DESERADO MINE PN C-81-018 TR54 EAST PORTAL RECLAMATION SEDIMENT CONTROL
• From: DMG
• To: BLUE MOUNTAIN ENERGY
• Type & Sequence: TR54
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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STATE OF ~ III IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
999
COLORADO
DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY
Deparunent o(Natural Resources
1313 Sherman St., Room 215
DIVISION O F
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone] MINERAL S
FAX: [phone]L
- GEOLOGY
RECLAMATION
MINING•SAFETY
June 22, 2001
Bill Owens
Scott Wanstedt coYernw

Blue Mountain Energy Greg E. Walther
Fzecutive Director
3607 County Road 65 Michael R. Long
Rangely, Colorado 81648 Division Director
RE: Deserado Mine (Permit No. C-81-018)
TR-54 East Portal Reclamation/Sediment Control
Dear Mr. Wanstedt:
The Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG) has reviewed the revised East Portal
Reclamation Plan as amended in Blue Mountain Energy's (BME) submittal of May 16,
2001. As you aze awaze based on our letter of April 20, 2001, we previously identified a
number of concerns with the proposed reclamation plan concept which entails a low
gradient Swale feature with a silt fence sediment trap installation. Our previous
comments focused primarily on the ability of the silt fence structure to withstand
concentrated flow events and ensure compliance with effluent limits. The DMG
continues to have concerns with the proposed plan.
In DMG's judgement, the proposed topography does not constitute approximate original
contour (AOC), and may not be geomorphically stable over the long term. Specifically,
the proposed topography dominated by the west trending Swale feature does not "closely
resemble the surface configuration of the land prior to mining" and does not "blend into
and complement the drainage pattern of the surrounding terrain" pursuant to 4.14.1(2)(a)
and 1.04(13). While the proposed topography may reduce sedimentation to Scullion
Gulch over the short term, it is likely that eventually the Swale feature would silt in and
breach, resulting in significant erosion and sedimentation. Therefore, DMG recommends
that the post-mine topography be modified to eliminate the west trending Swale feature,
and provide for riprapped channels through sub-watershed 2A, to more closely
approximate the original topography and drainage configuration. Please refer to Item 1
of our April 201etter. Please provide detailed design specifications for the riprap
channels, sufficient to demonstrate that the channels will convey the design flows without
erosion.